The legendary Steve Vai and Greg delve deep into Steve's early history, talking about LA, Zappa, and a whole lot more! Steve Vai's influence on the guitar world is profound, from his early work pioneering the design of "super strats" like his Ibanez signature models, to his ever-changing approach to tone and his insightful perspective on music theory. Settle in for this gristle-infused interview with the great Steve Vai! 1:04 - Steve’s new house in Los Angeles, neighborhood block parties, and St...
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 10
One of the 5 Chet Atkins' "Certified Guitar Players (CGP)", Steve is a country-music legend both for his amazing picking and his songwriting - he has 4 Grammy awards, over 50 charted billboard singles, 14 number 1 songs, he is a Grand Ole Opry member, and he's in the Musician's Hall of Fame just to name a few of his accolades. Greg and Steve talk about Chet, The New Nashville Cats, and Strats, along with all sorts of other glorious guitar gristle in this episode. 2:12 - When Steve and Greg first...
Mar 18, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Tosin is truly a 21st Century guitar-hero, leading a new generation of players into sonic parts-unknown. With Animals as Leaders, he's pushed past the boundries of progressive-metal and has helped to define a new, mind-bending world of "djent", seamlessly integrating multiple tones, time-signatures, and music-styles into something wholly new and exciting. He's also brought new technological advancements in guitar design to the masses with his Abasi Concepts guitars, which incorporate 7 and 8-str...
Mar 11, 2021•1 hr 31 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Jason talks guitars with Greg! "Grammy-winning Singer-Songwriter" is the title most frequently attached to Jason Isbell's moniker, but his fans know he is also a monster guitarist with a passion for the instrument. Greg asks Jason about his musical upbringing in Alabama, his favorite guitars and gear, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Joe Walsh, David Crosby, and Twitter! 3:25 - Jason’s new birthday present - a lovely ’65 Candy Apple Red Stratocaster to match his ’65 Tele in the same color 4:11 - Jason’s I...
Mar 04, 2021•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 7
Greg welcomes the mighty Doyle Dykes, one of the contemporary masters of fingerstyle guitar, the nicest guy in the world, a great storyteller, and of course, a frightening guitar player. They talk thumb picks, hot licks, and the glory of gear! 1:46 - That time in Hollywood that Dolye inspired Greg to learn how to self-accompany as a guitar player, and how it’s beneficial for songwriting, performance, etc 9:50 - Doyle’s induction into the Thumb Picker’s Hall of Fame 11:47 - Doyle’s book “The Ligh...
Feb 25, 2021•54 min•Season 2Ep. 6
The Kentucky Headhunters' Greg Martin has long been revered for his hot playing and glorious tone. He's also a gear aficionado with an impressive collection and first-hand perspective on all things vintage guitar. Greg and Greg discuss "Hank the Plank", The Allman Brothers, Cream, and 100w Marshalls, all amongst other magnificent tonal tangents. 2:47 - Greg Martin’s ‘Licks From The Outhouse’, the unparalleled glory of playing through a cranked 100W Marshall, and tons of pedal talk! 14:55 - Greg’...
Feb 18, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Possibly the most successful and prolific country session guitarist of all time, Brent is at the top of the list of Nashville cats. You've heard him playing on literally hundreds of hit records. Greg and Brent get into what it's like to be a studio musician in Nashville, Brent's journey, and of course, his guitars and gear! 1:35 - Andy Wood’s Woodshed Guitar Experience, and what it was like for Greg and Brent to perform and attend during COVID-19. 2:55 - Brent’s time playing with the Mark O’Conn...
Feb 11, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 4
One of the most lauded guitar instructors and authors in history, Andy literally has hundreds of books and videos to his name. You may also find him playing slide guitar in the Dickie Betts band, collaborating with Double Trouble, contributing to the Experience Hendrix tours, or fronting his various solo projects. Greg raps with the frequent Guitar World contributor about Hendrix, the Who, Cream, SRV, Mick Taylor, and all things guitar! 1:55 - Jimi Hendrix relics, owned by the good Sir Andy Aled...
Feb 04, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Season 2Ep. 3
English guitarist Matt Schofield is a proud torchbearer of the British blues guitar. He has toured internationally with his trio for decades, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting and distinctive blues guitarists in the world. Greg and Matt talk about traversing lockdown, home gear vs. live gear, and Matt's inspirations, and his relocation to the US! 2:07 - How Matt’s spent 2020 under lockdown, the difficulty of a lack of human interaction, and thoughts on the future of life as a ...
Jan 28, 2021•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Joe and Greg talk about gear and the guitar life! What more could you ask for? They discuss Joe's new signature Epiphone, Greg's new amp, practicing, Clapton, Les Pauls, Pedals, and more. Greg kicks off Season 2 with Joe Bonamassa! 4:53 - The time Greg drooled incessantly over one of Joe’s original Fender Broadcasters, and a discussion about Telecasters in general 7:41 - Joe’s first vintage guitar - a Candy Apple Red ’72 Fender Strat 14:53 - Joe’s current perspective on vintage gear 18:29 - The ...
Jan 21, 2021•1 hr 19 min•Season 2Ep. 1
With over 2 million YouTube subscribers, Rick Beato is a brilliant musician, producer, and educator who is consistently creating the finest musical content there is to be found on the interwebs. Greg and Rick rap about Rick's own professional musical journey before YouTube, his time as a bassist and producer, the importance of improvisation, and how to find inspiration in general, all amongst other glorious and insightful tangents. Can you dig that?
Dec 17, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 24
An original Fabulous Superlative with Marty Stuart, Kenny is a Nashville touring vet, studio ace, and a general 6-string hellion on every possible level. In addition to Marty, Kenny can be heard on records by Sweethearts of the Rodeo, Patty Loveless, Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale, Lucinda Williams, Joe Ely, Ray LaMontagne, Lana Del Rey, Eric Church, Emmylou Harris, Porter Wagoner, Alan Jackson, and Sugarland - just to name a few! 2:25 - Catching up during COVID - what Kenny’s been up to 4:08 - ...
Dec 10, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Redd is Telecaster royalty. He played in Merle Haggard's band for many years after making a name for himself as a go-to Nashville studio guitar-slinger. Redd's own band held court at Austin's famed Continental Club for nearly 20 years, and his residency was not to be missed. Now residing in Virginia, Redd connects with Greg to talk about navigating bands, studios, scenes, and of course Telecasters. 1:51 - Redd’s transition from Austin to Virginia, why moving around the country keeps his playing ...
Dec 03, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Jim Campilongo's name is synonymous with "Telecaster-master". He is often found on lists of the finest musicians to ever touch a Tele, and with good reason, as his playing both stretches and dismantles any perceived boundaries of the instrument. Greg and Jim engage in a musical discourse about Jim's own journey, and of course, they talk telecasters! 6:57 - Jim’s new record “Two Guitars” - a duet album with Luca Benedetti - and the fun story behind its inception 15:05 - Jim’s early life in San Fr...
Nov 26, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Psychedelic blues provocateur JD Simo has spent his recent months at home with his new toddler and his new "Greasy Time" live stream! This lauded guitarist raps with Greg about everything from his own journey, gear, and his frequent co-conspirator Tommy Emmanuel. 1:49 - Adjusting to life at home with a new toddler, and the sobering effect of a fresh diaper 6:58 - JD’s transition to life at home after years of being on the road, setting up his home studio, and the birth of his live-stream series ...
Nov 19, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Eric has won Blues Rock Artist of the Year for the last 2 years, but he has been a force in the Blues scene since he released his first solo record at 16. Greg and Eric catch up about Eric's unusual style of left-handed playing, and of course their mutual love of all things Jimi Hendrix! 2:17 - Eric’s excitement with the near completion of his new record 6:14 - How Eric derived his chordal style of playing, and developing his voice as a left-handed player 8:23 - Gospel music - the approach, the ...
Nov 12, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 19
From gigs with Michael Jackson to Jeff Beck, Jennifer Batten's technical prowess and unique musical signature have cemented her place as one of the world's most compelling guitarists. She breaks it all down with Greg, talking about her entire career! 6:07 - Jennifer’s decision to move from Los Angeles to Oregon 8:45 - The story of Jennifer’s first tour, and the glory of Elvis impersonators 11:55 - Jennifer’s early years - from growing up in New York to moving to Southern California, and the infl...
Nov 05, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Jeff talks guitars with Greg! You know him from Curb Your Enthusiasm, Arrested Development, and The Goldbergs, but did you also know that Jeff Garlin is a six-string aficionado? Jeff shares his hilarious perspective with Greg on all things guitars, comedy, and Covid in this gristle-filled hour of mirth and delight. 4:02 - Jeff’s thoughts on gigging during COVID, how it relates to him as a stand-up comedian, and his philosophy regarding his favorite guitars 11:38 - A day in the life of Jeff’s act...
Oct 29, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 17
You have heard Robbie McIntosh even if you don't know it. Maybe it was that perfect guitar solo on "Middle of the Road" by the Pretenders, or perhaps on a Paul McCartney record, or in the band at a John Mayer concert. Robbie has long been the secret touring/studio guitar-weapon of many of the world's finest, including Norah Jones, Mark Knopfler, Rod Stewart, Josh Groban, and Tori Amos. Today he talks guitars with Greg! 7:52 - Robbie’s time with Paul McCartney, and Greg’s personal excitement havi...
Oct 22, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Playing 7-string guitars long before it was cool, Charlie Hunter is well known as a singular, powerful voice on the guitar. Hybrid guitars are his thing - he's known for improvising flawless bass and guitar lines simultaneously, all in the name of creating great music. Greg and Charlie talk about his early days, lessons with Joe Satriani, time with Michael Franti, and of course his gear! 4:12 - Charlie’s decision to move his family from New York / New Jersey down to North Carolina 6:01 - Roaming...
Oct 15, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 15
One of the best blues guitarists on the planet, Kirk Fletcher is a bright light in the current international blues scene. He built his reputation a member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Mannish Boys, and he has frequently appeared on stages with Joe Bonamassa, Eros Ramazzotti, Josh Smith, and other heavyweights. Greg and Kirk talk about Kirk's history, gear, and how to find your own sound! 4:14 - Kirk’s musical history - from growing up in California under the umbrella of his father, the P...
Oct 10, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Roscoe Beck is a legendary bassist, known for his work with Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Leonard Cohen, The Dixie Chicks, his time with the band Passenger, and also his relationship with Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimmie Vaughn. Greg and Roscoe talk about Jaco Pastorius, playing bass, and building relationships! 1:52 - Roscoe’s current gig with Eric Johnson, and how the two came to play together 10:08 - Something was in the water at North Texas State - from becoming fast friends with Jimmy Vaughn to sh...
Oct 01, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Johnny A is a guitar hero of the highest order, whose long career as a fontman-instrumentalist has won him die-hard fans the world over. He's also well known for his work supporting other luminaries such as Peter Wolf, The Yardbirds, Delanie & Bonnie, and Bobbie Whitlock, just to name a few. Greg and Johnny talk about all of that today, and also guitars, gear, and glorious fuzz. 4:17 - Johnny’s affinity for instrumental rock/jazz/blues, and how it relates to his own musical inspirations and ...
Sep 24, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Rick is an often unsung hero in the guitar universe, playing some of rock's most classic solos on records that didn't bear his own name on the cover. He was a member of Fleetwood Mac, and the list of artists he's toured and recorded with is downright incredible (Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt, John Prine, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Jessie Colin Young, Steve Goodman, Roger McGuinn, Todd Rundgren and John Mayall - just to name a few!). Greg raps with him about his early days, his signature slide playing,...
Sep 17, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Instagram guitar phenom Mateus Asato joins Greg to talk about guitar on Social Media, John Mayer, Tori Kelly, and Mateus' own musical journey from Brazil to LA. 8:17 - Having a music career that allows you to remain busy and inspired to share content online and through social media 10:35 - Mateus’ consideration of a solo record, and the interesting mindset that goes into producing musical content for Instagram 15:18 - The importance of working with a record producer 18:16 - Mateus’ home studio s...
Sep 10, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Deke Dickerson is a rockabilly monster! He doesn't just play those amazingly cool Mosrite-style Hallmark Guitars, he assaults them with the full force of rock'n'roll! Deke catches up with Greg about flaming Fender Twin Reverbs, Merle Travis, Scotty Moore, Roy Buchanan, Gino King, Echosonics, and all things Ecco-Fonic. 2:25 - Growing up in Missouri, sneaking into local venues to see his favorite musicians hit the stage, and what inspired Deke to first pick up the guitar 8:29 - Deke’s priceless Ro...
Sep 03, 2020•59 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Josh Smith is one of the most respected guitar players on the planet, receiving awards and accolades from venerable sources too numerous to list! Greg and Josh discuss Gear (what else!), the new landscape for live musicians, Derek Trucks, and Josh's long career path from child prodigy to a bonafide guitar hero. 4:47 - The uncharted territory of live-music during a pandemic, and virtual gigs 9:12 - Josh’s new live DVD, “Live at the Spud” 16:15 - Josh’s journey; from Florida to Los Angeles and eve...
Aug 27, 2020•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Mark Lettieri is a renowned guitarist and member of Grammy Award-winning band Snarky Puppy. Greg and Mark cover a lot of ground in this episode, covering everything from Mark's early days to the role of musicians in our new, virtual world. For more information, visit marklettieri.com . 1:46 - What Mark has been up to recently - writing music, recording, session work, etc 4:33 - Mark’s initial foray into the Tech Industry, why he decided to transition into music, and how his PR/Tech background ca...
Aug 20, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 7
David Grissom is a road warrior and an ace studio guitarist, who has worked with Buddy Guy, John Mellencamp, Joe Ely, Storyville, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Dixie Chicks (just to name a few). Greg and David sit down to talk about life, live music, learning, and staying excited by keeping their guitars close at hand. 2:21 - Life during lockdown, and a shared longing for the stage 9:00 - David and Greg’s time on stage together, and the importance of empowering and supporting one another rat...
Aug 13, 2020•52 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Andy Timmons is a guitar player of no small merit. Having played with Danger Danger, Simon Phillips of the band Toto, Olivia Newton-John, and many more, Andy has also led a very successful solo career. 2:37 - Who doesn’t love breakfast cereal? 8:15 - Andy’s journey as a young guitar player, his teachers, his early style, influences, playing with Danger Danger, and transitioning to solo work/session playing. 18:16 - Blending hard rock and blues to come up with a unique and tasteful soup of groovy...
Aug 06, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 5
